Associated symptoms | How dangerous is a cold during the nursing period?

Associated symptoms

A simple cold usually only leads to very mild symptoms. The nose runs, itches and is congested. As a result, nasal breathing can be impaired and more breathing is done through the mouth.

A general feeling of illness and exhaustion are also typical. Slightly elevated temperatures can also occur. However, fever is untypical.

Severe sore throat, coughing and severe fatigue are also more likely to indicate another respiratory infection, such as bronchitis, flu or tonsillitis. Fever is generally not a typical symptom of a simple cold. However, the term “common cold” is often used in the population to refer to other upper respiratory tract infections.

Unlike a simple cold, these are often accompanied by fever. Slight increases in temperature can also occur with a cold, but temperatures above 38.5°C are untypical. If the temperature is very high, an influenza flu should also be considered during the winter months, especially for non-vaccinated mothers.

Breastfeeding mothers can also be affected by sinusitis. Typical symptoms are pressing pain in the area of the sinuses, throbbing pain in the forehead and headaches in general. Fever and fatigue are also characteristic symptoms.

With a sinusitis, the nursing mother is usually allowed to continue breastfeeding. The inflammation of the paranasal sinuses is usually viral. In cases of severe pain, very high fever and high levels of inflammation in the blood, antibiotic therapy may be necessary. In such a case you should consult your doctor regarding the breastfeeding recommendation.

Treatment

A cold during the lactation period is usually treated purely symptomatically. Antibiotics are not necessary, since simple colds are viral infections. Antibiotics are not effective against these viruses.

There are also no drugs that directly combat the cold viruses, so the treatment can only be symptomatic. As a nursing mother, one should refrain from taking medication without prior consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. This also applies to any fever-reducing or pain-relieving medication that you already have at home.

Some of the active ingredients contained in the product are not suitable for use during pregnancy. This applies in particular to the well-known cold juice WICK MediNait.

  • Breastfeeding mothers are particularly recommended to make sure that natural treatment options such as steam baths and inhalations, cold tea and sufficient rest are available when they have a cold.

    A cold is a self-limiting illness that heals after about one week.

  • In the case of a blocked nose, simple saline solution from the pharmacy is particularly suitable. This solution is also offered by various suppliers as a nasal spray. It helps to clear the airways and make breathing easier.

    Unlike many active ingredients, saline solution has no negative effects on the breastfed infant and is therefore particularly suitable for breastfeeding.

  • During a cold, nose and eyes are often very irritated. In this case it is recommended to use a dexpanthenol eye and nose ointment.

Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving active ingredient from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs. During colds and mild flu-like infections, Ibuprofen is highly recommended because it not only relieves the symptoms but also fights the inflammatory reaction in the mucous membranes.

Ibuprofen may also be used during the breastfeeding period. However, a maximum daily dose of 2.4 grams should never be exceeded. Ibuprofen is still not suitable for long-term use because it can damage the kidneys and the stomach lining.Paracetamol is one of the recommended active ingredients for lactation.

There are no known negative effects for the breastfed infant or mother. Paracetamol is well suited to relieve the symptoms of colds and mild flu-like infections and can be taken in a dose of 500 to 1000 mg up to four times a day. The maximum daily dose of 4000 mg should not be exceeded. Paracetamol is also well suited for reducing fever in the nursing period when the fever is light.